Am Thai Bistro — Restaurant in New York

I've been coming to this restaurant for one year and a bit. This review is not about the food which is excellent in every way, so nicely designed on the plate, but the ambience and service of AM Thai. I've kept my thoughts quiet for over a year but I finally have to say something about the condescending and racist behavior of the staff. The lack of respect to me and anyone I bring to this restaurant is the reason why I no longer dine in. The staff male & female as SO CONDESCENDING to people of color that it chokes me with anger. The last time I took a lifetime friend visiting from London to this place, a meal I so wanted her to enjoy- we were tested like gum under the shoe & it made our planned evening out so bitter. The staff would not seat us in a partially empty restaurant no matter how many times I went to the front to ask for a reservation. Each time I was told the reservation was made. Then others came off the street, asked if any table was clear and were seated immediately. After this happened 4 times- cold arrivals not reserved- we were finally shoved near the back & allowed to order. The food was brought begrudgingly, cold, and because my friend didn't want to risk contamination if we asked for it to be done WELL we accepted it. We got no service the entire meal, waitress simply would not stop by even if she was going by and I tried to get her attention. At the end of it all I had to tell her politely about not only our experience but several other people of tables that were all visibly unhappy and speaking about their service. A LARGE birthday table of 8 happy black women sat with not even a drink for 30 mins until they all complained that no one was paying attention to them. A mixed race couple came later when it was half empty and asked for a table and were told no, do they have a reservation even though no reserve signs were on tables. Even the couple next to us were pointedly ignored like we were. I love good food but the attitude of staff at Am Thai is so bluntly condescending that I can no longer in good conscience spend a penny of money with them, esp in sit down meals. This is NEW YORK CITY in 2024. If you want to keep that superior attitude take it someplace else. There's too many amazing BEAUTIFUL places that are delightful in menu, range, style, and wonderful staff- to come to a hole in the wall with servers who look like they want to spit when serving you. It's a shame and they can keep that stale sick racist attitude in this day and age. On...

The one star reflects the extremely poor service with racist micro aggressive undertones experienced today. I will no longer patronize this business! Persons of color beware!

Not sure if short staffed or simply being serviced by those that see people of color as invisible. My patience was tried tonight. With my hand in the air to get my servers attention, my non-colored neighbors request was heard yet I passed as I sit in the tiny aisle hand raised! I am a woman with a sizable presence in any room at 6 feet. How inept can you be? I had to call out loudly for the server as she passed me again.

Even when it was time to pay the bill!!! Although my card was submitted (food bagged and ready) my neighbors echo for theirs was met with a signature receipt before mine. After waiting patiently, I went to the counter and asked for my payment receipt only to find my card hadn’t even been rung! The matron fumbled and then provided my receipt for signature. Shamefully, I admit to awarding a tip. They really deserved no more than $4- only for the cooks and servers literally bringing the items to the table. I felt responsible to tip decently in atttempts to breakdown the stereotypes and perhaps garner some respect for those coming after us (yes way too deep analysis of a tip, but sometimes there is no better tip than leaving no tip)!

General Opinion I have lived in a home in this neighborhood for forty years and eaten here on numerous occasions since their opening. I would never advise anyone to travel more than 5 blocks for this place. Even on their better days they are not all of that. The food is a good go to neighborhood grab if you live in the neighborhood and/or a parking spot is right in front. They have cute cocktails in lovely displays, however the space is tiny- just removing one table would make all the difference.

You can dip your fork in your neighbors dish for a sample or simply hold hands! Ridiculous! When serving our neighbor their food, my servers underarm literally touched me and hip another time. Also space can be overwhelmingly loud depending upon who else shares the space (groups or heavy drinkers)....

So good. Best Thai restaurant in the Kensington area. The service is even better than the food - if even possible. Me and my bf had a moment where we were going here 5 out of 7 days in the week. Addicted. If you want to ruin your life, have the Basil Rice. I’d eat it for breakfast. Also their Pad Thai, unbelievably good. Only tip would be to add some vinegar to the peanut sauce, and you’re good. As for everything else? Perfection. I’d give my right leg for their food. And the owner, is the kindest and most caring woman. Her alcohol selection is top tier.

*DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS PLACE. *

It looks small, but has the cutest decor, you can hear the music in the bathroom cause there’s a speaker in there (great selection of music btw), and the staff is so accommodating and friendly. The soups are also so so good. Their coconut soup is my favorite. They also have a great selection of soju and even some other Japanese and Korean alcohols.

Also as someone who has many diet restrictions, they have a wide variety of vegetarian options.

Their drinks (non alcoholic) are also very good. We’ve gotten their lychee drink so many times and never have gotten sick of it. It’s an actual issue. They leave you giant pieces of lychee and me and my bf always have to remain civil on splitting the last one. lol.

Love Cristina & Eddy 💘🐿️🥜🦋🐝

PS - If you are not into fried food, go light on the duck boas. They are wonderfully soft and flavorful, but if you can’t handle oils or fried food, you might need to ask them to cook it slightly differently. I’d recommend asking the manager before hand. They’re very accommodating and nice, but I’m not sure how the chef would feel lol. The duck is so delicious, but a tad heavy on the oil for me. Maybe add a side of white...